rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
genre: romance
spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5

Trigger warnings: infertility, IVF, endometriosis, fat shaming, infertility shaming, death

This is officially my FAVORITE romance book.


My thoughts :
Wow. I started this book not thinking much of it, thought it would be a regular feel-good rom-com and I am so GLAD I was wrong.
My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. I finished it at 2 am last night.
I don't remember laughing this much while reading a romcom or crying even !

I don't know anyone in my entourage who struggles with infertility and this book was a real eye-opener. There is so much attention to detail and I lived through Gemma while she was trying to have her baby via IVF, The writing is THAT GOOD.
I guarantee you are going to laugh so much if you read this book. Josh and Gemma are both so lovable and relatable. Especially Gemma ! She felt so real, so not perfect and you can see the growth of her character by the end of the story.

I fell in love with the side characters too, especially the girls from Gemma's infertility support group and Gemma's family, even though they were a little overbearing and judgemental like evry family out there, you could feel the love these people had for each other.

I really enjoyed this one! I thought the writing flowed and the chemistry between the characters was believable and their relationship earned. Especially appreciated Gemma's growth throughout the book. Will be checking out more from Sarah Ready and definitely recommending to people.

This book was amazing. It had just the right amount of everything!!! Josh and Gemma made me fall in love right away. I laughed and cringed right along with them. The fertility group gang was awesome.
It has a perfect balance of emotional and light hearted and easy read.

4 / 5 So many parts of this book were so clever (the unique plot line, the cartoons and quotes) which carried this book - but it didn’t come together in a way that built intrigue or was fully believable.

My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐/ 5 stars

Gemma Jacobs is a 30-something divorcee in New York City and her whole adult life, she thought she was unable to have children due to her endometriosis. However with the help of IVF, she wants to do this on her own, and she doesn’t need anyone to do it with her. This is HER choice. However, she needs a sperm donor. Enter Josh - her brother’s best friend who she grew up with and was always just there in the periphery of her life. After some convincing, he agrees.

I admit I am a bit of a tough critic when it comes to contemporary romantic fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The struggles Gemma and Josh go through with infertility and societal expectations to be skinnier, have a husband/bf/partner to have a baby, and even self awareness of being judgmental towards others resonated so much with as a reader in her 30’s herself living in NY. Gemma and Josh do not have the most obvious chemistry, but their relationship grows on you.

Thank you to Swift and Lewis and for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I can't stop thinking about this book. I went in expecting nothing and came out completely bedazzled.

Gemma wants a baby but not with a Mr. Right, she wants a baby through IVF. To avoid getting a random stranger's child, she decides that she wants Josh's (her brother's best friend) baby. Yes, this book is as chaotic as the description. The experience was equally hilarious and adorable. A perfect formular for a rom-com book.

Gemma was portrayed as a strong-willed woman, who did not let negative comments of her body and infertility stand in the way of her goal. The book started with her wanting a baby, and she continuously proves it through her actions. Also, her inner monologue was hilarious and so was her tendency to land in an unfortunate situation. Josh was the man right out a woman-written rom com. Initially introduced as "the kind of boy good girls stay away from", Josh turns out to a gentle soul. Even with his shameless flirting, he managed to be the greatest gentleman and make me swoon.

Overall, this book was wonderful. 10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone. Please check all Trigger Warnings before reading though.

I thought it was really cute. Fertility issues are so common it was nice that it was touched on. I hated Ian with a passion. Over all cute read

Gemma has made a new year's resolution - to have a baby! And she has decided that her brother's best friend is the perfect person to be her no strings attached sperm donor.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Gemma as a main character and Josh was so swoon worthy. I loved their relationship and Gemma's memories of how their dynamic had changed since they were in high school.

I was not crazy about the side plot with Gemma's work and I feel like time spent on that could have been spent further developing Josh and Gemma's relationship but overall this was a very enjoyable rom-com that tackled some important topics.

BOOK REVIEW ‘JOSH AND GEMMA MAKE A BABY’
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TW: Infertility, IVF, Endometriosis, Miscarriage, Death, Fat Shaming, Infertility Shaming

★★★★★
Thank you to NetGalley for my eARC. Considering such high trigger warnings, most would wonder why I am giving it a 5 star, BUT this is officially my favorite romance of the year.

I thought Sarah created a beautiful story bringing awareness to infertility. Having secondary infertility myself, I saw myself in Gemma’s journey and alongside with her IVF support group. When I first read the premise I instantly prayed it wasn’t a cookie cutter IVF storyline, because lets be honest - contemporary romances often barely touch the surface with infertility (Sarah included IVF lingo, treatment processes, and clinical visits). Happy to report, Gemma’s IVF journey is far from perfect. In fact, there was so much pain and heartache throughout that is was refreshing (I know, I know). Sarah also tackled how women are still expected to be at their best in the workplace and amongst family members while being shamed for their infertility misfortune.

Like I mentioned, it’s still a contemporary romance read so it will have a good blend of happiness. Of course, you will also laugh, smile, and fall in love with main character Josh (totally a new book boyfriend BTW). If you feel as though this wouldn’t trigger, I definitely recommend it!

Josh and Gemma make a baby is your go-to romcom novel that will make you smile and giggle to some chapters but will also make you serious and aware about the struggles of women experiencing infertility in the sociey.

It started out slow but gets fast-paced from the latter half of the book onwards because of different ups and downs happening in Gemma's life. I love how the author perfectly mix romance scenes, comedy scenes, and infertility awareness scenes which can make readers feel that they are riding a roller coaster of emotions.

The found family trope in this book is also unforgettable! It reminds me that strongest bonds can be made through toughest times and I can say that their support group belong to the top tier list of this genre. I also would like to add how the book emphasizes that despite their inclination into having a baby through IVF, it also didn't neglect the fact that women's worth doesn't depends on their uterus and their capability to bore a child. That's preach, madam author!!!!

Lastly, how I could forget the kind of love Josh has for Gemma and how their brother's bestfriend turn to lovers trope didn't seem force because of the development of the book. I just wish that there could be more Josh and Gemma scenes aside from visiting in the ob-gyn clinic. Nevertheless, their chemistry is unstoppable.

This book was a lovely and refreshing read. Gemma is 32 and wants a baby but is infertile. I'm normally not a fan of these types of books but this one was refreshing as I felt like it shed light (in a lighthearted way) on infertility and the struggles that Gemma faces. Gemma asks Josh to be the sperm donor and he agrees. I appreciate how real this book keeps it with Gemma being able to reflect a lot. It's definitely a slow burn, which I typically am not a fan of but I enjoyed how the author kept it captivating through the chemistry. I found the writing to be a little much at times but the overall plot was great!

Thank you to the publishers and author for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I literally started it and could not put it down until I was done. This was such a cute and insightful read into the potential experiences of women's infertility. Gemma was very much a relatable character and every moment with Josh had me feeling butterflies. The development of their relationship was realistic and they certainly had me rooting for their happiness. I found myself laughing quite often at Gemma's spontaneity and her bluntness. I do wish that we would have seen more of Gemma and Josh officially together and see their reactions to the child being born at the end because I feel like I didn't get closure on that end. My favorite scene of them was most definitely the confession in London at the Comic Con. It was absolutely adorkable and very fitting of their relationship dynamic. Additionally, the entire sequence of events that took place after Josh's dad's death was so heartbreaking yet beautiful because of how vulnerable they were able to be with each other. I would also just like to say that I ABSOLUTELY loved the support group's meetings and the deeper sisterhood that resulted from it. The characters were all so much fun and I genuinely enjoyed every bit of this book with the exception of any scene that Ian was in. Every time that man opened his mouth or interacted with Gemma, I was straight up rolling my eyes. He raised so many red flags from the minute he was introduced and I just wanted more Josh. In conclusion, this book gave me the necessary fluff that I needed in my life and it certainly made me hopeful for my future love life.

"Love is the best gift I've ever had the privilege to give."

"You're the star that guides my heart"

Gemma doesn't want a Mr. Right — she just wants to have a baby. And that was exactly her New Year's Resolution. The major obstacle at hand — she's infertile. No matter — she's decided IVF is the way to go. All she needs? Oh, just Josh Lewenthal's sperm. Meet Josh Lewenthal — laid back, carefree player. Oh by the way he's her brother's best friend.

This book in a nutshell was an extraordinary, hilarious and heartwarming. A beautifully layered read. Throughout the book, we gets to see the joys and heartbreaks of IVF, the heartbreak of constantly trying — hoping the universe grants you your greatest desire. But — will it?

Gemma Jacobs — such a strong, sweet soul. I spent basically every moment reading wishing I could physically reach into the book to comfort & hug Gemma. Despite her unfortunate diagnosis, she's determined to see through the pursuit of having her own baby...with Josh prefebably.

Now where do I even begin with Josh Lewenthal. I would like to stand atop a roof and scream WHERE IS MY JOSH LEWENTHAL?? Josh was such an amazing character. He had his own issues to deal with but he was genuinely the most unselfish, caring, loving cinammon roll hero. Oh did I mention — he's funny and hot? That alongside the fact that we readers can see from the get-go how Gemma was it for him from that one very special moment and how involved he wants to be in this baby's life — it just makes you fall in love with Josh.

Josh & Gemma's dynamics just felt so right. I found myself staying up hoping to see them interact with every flip of the page. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gemma navigate through her IVF journey and the way Josh fit into her life, like a missing puzzle.

This book had an underlying second chance romance, friends to lovers vibe. Determined, relatable heroine & charming loveable hero, unique friendships through the woes of infertility and finally a sweet and satisfying HEA. What's there not to love about this book? Plus, the moments of lightness and humour just brought so much realness to the book. Thank you Sarah for this beautiful book.

TW: If you are dealing with infertility or miscarriage, this book may be difficult to read.

The title seems so simple it’s almost whimsical, but behind it hides a truly beautiful story.
It seems simple at the beginning: Sarah Ready’s book is about Gemma, who wants a baby and has decided not to wait for the perfect man, or to wait at all. Instead, she’s going to ask her brother’s best friend, who is already basically part of the family, for a little donation.
Seems simple enough. Except Gemma got an infertility diagnosis year back and Josh isn’t too keen on the idea – in fact he is hurt to be used that at first he declines.
When they do agree to give it a try, it is a business arrangement, but it’s hard to keep feelings out of something so personal. Between the uncomfortable doctors’ appointments and the hormone treatments they get themselves into some awkward situations which will make you – as a reader – laugh (and be glad not to be in that situation).
And it turns out Josh is a really good guy, and a good sport for sitting through it all. The guy who she only really knew as her brother’s friend, who lives in his dad’s basement and draws seems to earn a living with a comic Gemma’s never read becomes her closest friend (along with the crazy ladies in her infertility group of course) and the only person who knows what she is up to.
Josh is the true gem of this story and takes it from a funny, entertaining read to a truly sweet rom-com and one of the best romantic stories I have read – with a twist when I really didn’t expect it.

Gracias Netgalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta

-Mejor amigo del hermano
-Segundas oportunidades
-Slow Burn


Brevemente nos cuenta la historia de Gemma , que tiene todo lo que ha podido desear , un buen trabajo que le permite tener un departamento en Manhattan y una familia que la apoya en todo y solo quieren verla feliz aunque llegan a ser un poco entrometidos.

Exepto de un pequeñísimo detalle.

Tras una década de desastrosas relaciones y un diagnóstico de infertilidad , Gemma llegó a una conclusión: tendrá un bebé y no necesita al "señor prefecto" para eso.

Aquí es donde entra Josh , el mejor amigo de su hermano que es prácticamente lo opuesto a Gemma. Josh siempre estuvo al rededor de Gemma y su familia , en cumpleaños , navidades e incluso vacaciones; prácticamente cada evento familiar Josh estaba ahí.

Gemma conoce a Josh , por lo cual le propone a Josh de ser su donador de esperma. Y el acepta.
Pero mantener este arreglo solo en negocios es difícil y más si involucra en hacer un bebé. Es imposible que no se involucren sentimientos y más que nada el corazón.

⚠️:
-Infertilidad
-Perdida de un padre
-Fecundación in vitro
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Nunca había leído un libro de Sarah Ready , quiero decir que cumplió con todas mis expectativas. Supo sobrellevar el tema de infertilidad mega bien , al igual de las dificultades que se pueden prestar en el proceso de la fecundación in vitro.
Tiene una buena dosis de momentos mega tiernos y momentos que te harán llorar.

La relación entre Josh y Gemma es mega tierna , que te tiene hasta las últimas para querer saber su final feliz.

“Fate finds you when you least expect it.”

"when you believe the universe is going to give you good things, sooner or later, it will."

I absolutely loved this book. I don't usually enjoy the pregnancy trope, but this was different. Gemma is infertile and is trying to have a baby through IVF. I found it refreshing to read a book that talks about an issue that 1 out of 8 women go through. You can tell that she is strong and independent as she wants to raise this kid alone. She doesn’t care for a man, especially after the last one who left her because she couldn’t have a baby. The book goes through some real stuff that women go through.

Josh was as sweet as ever. He was always there for Gemma because that’s what friends are for. If she needed a date, a shoulder, or just a buddy to eat with, he was always there. He was sweet, patient, and always tried his best to put Gemma first.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice fluffy read, easy to go through, and had some fun moments.

I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a light read that talks about stuff that books don't really talk about without it being too heavy.

Fav quote: "Love is the best thing I've ever had the privilege to give."

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Days to Read: 2

Gemma is 32 years old single woman, who discovered back in her 20s that she is infertile and found a while later her husband cheating on her in the middle of her house! Years later Gemma tired of dating and people's talking behind her back that she is divorced, in her 30s, and no one will like her. This leads her to give up on love and finding the right man so she decides that she is capable and wants to fulfil her dream of becoming a mom even if she is single and so her journey begins with her trying IVF. This is where we meet our beloved Josh, he is her brother's best friend and has been in Gemma's life since she was in high school and this is where it hit her, why not Josh? Can he be the father? Can he be the sperm donor and help make this dream come true? Will Josh and Gemma be able to go through this without developing feelings? How this journey be for the two of them? The answers to these questions are in this amazing book. I loved this book so much it was my first experience listening to an audiobook and I liked it a lot. The narrator was very good and I felt as if I'm watching a movie. They were moments through the novel where I laughed out loud and moments where I cried, it had bits of everything and it took me through the process of IVF without boring me with tiny medical details just the right amount that we can all understand. It demonstrated how this process can be very tough for us women and the importance of support groups in this case. Finally, it showed that positivity, hope, love, faith, and belief matter a lot and that a person should always take chances and never be afraid coz we only live once.

I wasn't a fan for the first half of the book. I thought the secondary characters were cringey and moments that were meant to be humorous fell flat. Gemma's internal monologue was also irritating. Josh was the one that really redeemed it for me in the second half of the book.

ahh I loved this book
Gemma, a thirty-two-year-old woman wants a baby, her only solution is to ask her brother's best friend, Josh to be the sperm donor. When he accepted, they have to follow many consultations with the doctor to ensure her dream. Gemma and Josh know each other since they were children, and they have never been friends, so how two people can have a baby without being friends or in a relationship ?. You'll discover this when you read the book.
This book talks about a problem that many couples have, infertility. I understood the problem by reading Gemma's thoughts.
The ending was so cuteeee and sweet, they deserve every happiness.

I listened to this audiobook in ONE DAY. I am so tired as I stayed up until 3AM today to finish it, but so glad that I did. This is a new-to-me author, and I am a sucker for illustrated book covers, so I had to request to download a #gifted copy on audiobook from @netgalley.
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@mallonerin is the narrator, and she did such a wonderful job. She changed up her voice perfectly for each character, where you knew who it was. I think that is why I couldn't stop listening to it! The characters really felt alive while I listened to it. For those who "can't do audiobooks", PLEASE listen to this one! I also need to know your thoughts afterward.
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The story had quite a few funny moments, but there are parts where I had all the feels and emotions for the characters. This book has you laughing, but also has you crying tears. At times I did want to shake Gemma and say to her "How are you not getting the hints, lady?!!!" The book eventually had steam, but for you all who like really 🔥🌶, I would maybe pass. ⠀⠀